Project #2 - Case Study 3

Luigi's Mansion is an interesting example, since in almost every other Mario Bros game, Mario is the principle character. Here we see a role reversal. For once, Luigi becomes the hero. 

 

On the whole, Luigi has always received the sympathy votes from players, since he always seems to be in Mario's shadow despite being a playable character in most games in which he features alongside his brother. So when the time came for Luigi to step into the limelight in his own title, a large number of players were drawn to it because of this. There is a lot of support for Luigi out there, and no doubt people wanted to finally see Luigi succeed. 

 

(On a side note, there is even a comic strip that parodies poor Luigi's misfortunes etc) ----->

-ahem- I diverge.
The point is, Luigi's Mansion also follows the pattern of protecting a loved one, really. When you begin the game, it is unknown why Luigi has managed to win this mysterious mansion. He simply thinks he has actually struck gold, figuratively speaking. 

Of course, poor old Luigi only discovers it's a haunted mansion, and that Mario is trapped inside. The circumstances are all fitting. The place is infested with Boos, the mischievous ghosts which Mario has previously had altercations with in other games. So it is fitting that Mario plays a part in the game, since he is Luigi's brother too. 

Given that Mario and Luigi have almost always appeared side-by-side, it is in keeping with the entire game space. Not only that, but players often relate to Luigi and his circumstances. Honestly, how many younger siblings have felt that they are in the shadow of their older brother or sister? I certainly have, at one time or another. So, I can understand Luigi. I wanted to see him succeed and prove his capabilities when it was his turn to save Mario. 

Mario trapped in painting

 

There's a pattern here though. It appears that siblings often exist in games to be a catalyst - to prompt the character into a journey/mission/dangerous task in order to save said sibling.

This makes me consider how a main character's sibling might exist under another circumstance....